The New Topping Novels & Stories

“The old me always tolerated and compromised, but the new me will never again.” That night, James started changing his tactics. He appeared in my life as a suitor, sending flowers and gifts, each day different from the last. At first, it was bouquets and handmade chocolates. Later, he sent gifts related to hobbies I had mentioned in passing. His intention was obvious—he was trying to win me over and re-enter my life. “Tess,” he said, standing in front of me, shameless. “Since you said we’re no longer married, and you’re single now, I have the right to pursue you, don’t I?”

I was right in that aspect when he went to pick up the spoon. “And what are you gonna do?” Gaston dropped dough into the oil, leaving the spoon in as well. I pretended not to notice as I turned from him to the dry storage, picking out toppings for the bagels. “I’m going to put toppings on the bagels as soon as I boil them there next to you with that water.” I could smell smoke a little as Gaston came over to see the toppings, distracted like a crow with a shined object. “Ooh, sesame! My favorite!” Gaston gushed, excited now about the food. We both heard a whoosh then, heat hitting our backs slightly.

His lips didn’t pucker, no flinching, no sweating—none of the usual human reactions to extreme spiciness. “Is he… a robot?” Jeslyn muttered under her breath. “Mmm,” Leonel hummed with a nod. “Interesting. There's a spicy kick to it. New experiment?” Jeslyn’s eyes widened. What?! He likes it?! “Uh… yeah,” she answered quickly, almost reflexively. “It’s… a new variant. Hellfire Lava Dessert.” Leonel smirked. “Nice name. Fits a woman like you.” “A woman like me?” Jeslyn raised a brow.

"It has brownies, ice cream, hot fudge, caramel drizzle, whipped cream, fruits, cookies, chocolate chunks..." I nodded slowly. "Okay." "And pizza toppings." I nearly spat out my drink. "What?" The entire table burst into laughter. "Pizza toppings?" "Trust me." "No." "Trust me, did you trust me with this?" She said pointing to by drink. I nodded reluctantly. "Then trust me with dessert." I groaned. "This feels like a trap." "It absolutely is." The table laughed again. For the first time in what felt like forever, I found myself genuinely relaxing.

“You look like the wind could carry you away.” I take a bite. The sweetness hits me first—honey and cinnamon—followed by something cheesy and warm beneath the crisp layers. My eyes widen. “What is this?” “Tiropita with a little twist. Do you like it?” I nod slowly. “I don’t know. I think so. I… I don’t really remember what I like.” That gives her pause. The kitchen quiets just slightly, like the heartbeat of the room missed a beat. Maria’s expression softens. “That’s alright. We’ll find out together.”

I explained roughly how I would like the leaves to look like they are falling from the top. I slid the design of my kutte over to Patrice. “ I want this as the topper.” I said pointing to the cowboy hat and ice crown. “ Is that possible?” I ask nervously. I really want this included. Patrice looks it over and nods “ Yes. I can do this for you.” I light up “ Thank you. Now I would also like four dozen cupcakes for the wee ones.” Patrice pulls out a list of flavors to choose from. I pick basic vanilla and chocolate as well as cotton candy, orange sherbet, cookies and cream and chocolate and peanut butter.

Tyler said simply before they left to find a table. And surprise them she did. Trinity couldn't exactly pin point what all toppings they'd used 'cause there were so many, but it was by far the best pizza she'd had in forever. Taking a bite of her last slice, Trinity moaned as the cheese melted on her tongue along with all the other tangy, spicy flavours they'd used.

She added fresh chopped tomatoes, using her wooden spoon to burst them in the pan. Jeff craned his neck to see. “Come again?” She giggled. Jeff sometimes thought she sounded too young for her age. “I’m probably not saying it right,” she said. “It’s a new recipe someone gave me at my last Tupperware party. I hope it tastes all right.” “Hey, kiddo.” Kevin joined them and patted his son on the back. “Wow! Smells good. What is it?” “Mom’s new recipe. Don’t ask me how to say it. She got it from a lame Tupperware party.”

“I only brought three ‘cause I know you could barely eat them all and I didn’t know what you like so I bought all three flavors.” “Please don’t tell me you’re also watching me right now.” ‘Cause he said that just as I was smelling the box. “My power can’t go that far,” he then followed with a laugh. “I told you, ain’t no stalker. And oh, by the way, you need to eat them outside ‘cause the toppings might get you and the car messy. I’m sure you don’t own that car and we don’t want you to get scolded because of me.”

I fried them to make then hard so as to get the tortilla chips. There were jalapeños in the house. I cut them to pieces, grated cheese and put the jalapeños and the cheese to the tortilla chips and put in the oven. As I let the cheese melt, I made a simple guacamole topping. Avocado's, tomatoes and bell pepper and our food was ready. I just pray that Tessa would like it. I called them and we all gathered at the table. Of late, I have noticed that Tessa has been avoiding us.